Gus Gorman, a chronically unemployed ne'er-do-well, discovers he has a talent for computer programming and is hired at the Metropolis-based conglomerate Webscoe. Gus embezzles from his employer through a process known as "salami slicing," bringing him to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, Ross Webster. Webster is intrigued by Gus's potential to help him financially dominate the world. Joined by his sister, Vera, and "psychic nutritionist" Lorelei Ambrosia, Ross blackmails Gus into helping him.